WATLING
Watling
Watling is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. Derived from the Old English personal name "Watel" combined with the patronymic suffix "-ing," Watling translates to "descendant of Watel."
Origin
The surname Watling has its roots in medieval England, particularly in the East Anglia region. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. The most famous association of the name is with the historical Roman road known as Watling Street, a significant ancient route in England that ran from Dover in Kent to Wroxeter in Shropshire. The road was named after the Romano-British settlement of Viroconium (modern-day Wroxeter), and its name is believed to be derived from the Old English word "wæt" meaning "wet" or "watery," suggesting that the road followed a wet route.
Variants
Variants of the Watling surname include Watlington, Watlyn, and Wathling.
Notable Individuals
Notable individuals with the surname Watling include:
- Jack Watling (1923-2001): A distinguished British actor known for his work on stage, screen, and television.
- Debbie Watling (1948-2017): A well-known British actress and television personality, best remembered for her role in the long-running science fiction television series Doctor Who.
Modern Distribution
Today, the surname Watling is relatively rare but can be found across the United Kingdom. It is more prevalent in regions historically associated with the East Anglia area, where the name likely originated.
References
- Hanks, Patrick. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.
There are approximately 3,031 people named Watling in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,963rd most common surname in Britain. Around 47 in a million people in Britain are named Watling.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan